SmartVest Now Comes with Built-in Wireless Technology, Assisting Therapy Management

Electromed recently launched a SmartVest Connect wireless technology to complement the SmartVest SQL, a technology that allows doctors and patients with certain lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, to have access to treatment information and collaborate in care decisions.

The device developed by Electromed, the SmartVest Airway Clearance System, uses high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO), a method that delivers compression pulses to the chest wall within a range of selectable frequencies. By producing an alternating pulse that rapidly compresses and releases the chest wall, this device promotes the release of mucus from the lung walls, clearing the airways, and facilitating mucus elimination from the body.

Treatment with Electromed’s SmartVest has been shown to significantly reduce bronchiectasis-related exacerbations, and thereby reduce the use of antibiotics to treat respiratory infections, according to a recent study.

SmartVest Connect Wireless Technology for SmartVest SQL, by Electromed.

The SmartVest SQL with SmartVest Connect has built-in wireless, allowing patients to interact with the device and obtain information. For instance, patients can follow the progress of their treatment plan and monitor the performance of the device.

As it provides feedback, patients are encouraged to participate in their treatment plan, making adherence easier and more likely.

SmartVest SQL with SmartVest Connect was designed to be simple and easy to use, and automatically updates the patient after a therapy session.

“SmartVest Connect is designed to make it easy for healthcare teams and patients to track therapy performance and collaborate in treatment decisions,” Kathleen Skarvan, Electromed’s president and chief executive officer, said in a press release.

“We believe this innovation will strengthen our patient and clinician partnerships, leading to greater therapy adherence and improved quality of life for individuals with compromised pulmonary function. We’re proud to stand by our commitment to ‘making life’s important moments possible’ and continued innovation of delivering market-driven HFCWO therapy solutions. We expect to expand SmartVest Connect availability to targeted adult pulmonary clinics throughout the year,” Skarvan added.

CF is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which contains the coding information for a protein with the same name. When mutated, the CFTR protein contributes to the accumulation of mucus in several organs, which potentiates the growth of pathogens and infection. In the lungs, excessive bacterial or fungal growth lead to lung disease.